Do Snowboard Helmets Really Expire?

Helmets are not meant to be worn forever. There are some factors that shorten the life of a snowboard helmet. You need to know how to properly clean and store your helmet to extend its life. You should also be aware of the materials used in making a snowboard helmet. You should check the foam inside your helmet to ensure it is made of Epp or polystyrene.

Factors That Shorten the Life of a Snowboard Helmet

The lifespan of a snowboard helmet is determined by several factors. Some components, such as the Eps foam, stay intact for 30 years or more while others start to break down with age. If you have an older helmet, replace it if you dropped it as soon as possible. Look for chips on the outside or cracks in the shell.

When purchasing a snowboard helmet, always make sure the size matches your head size. If you are in between sizes, you should look for a different size. If your helmet is too large, it may not fit properly and it may not offer enough protection. Another factor is the materials that are used for the helmet's construction. Some models are made of ABS, while others are made of polycarbonate.

When it comes to the durability of snowboard helmets, you should check for corroded pads or components. Corrosion can reduce visibility and reduce the effectiveness of your helmet. Furthermore, the materials that make up a snowboard helmet are not designed to withstand multiple impacts. Therefore, you should replace your helmet after several serious impacts to ensure it meets safety standards.

How to Clean a Snowboard Helmet

It's important to clean your helmet regularly to ensure it's still in good condition. Exposure to sunlight and other harsh conditions can reduce the life of a helmet. Check the helmet daily and replace any worn or damaged parts immediately. If your helmet is not clean, you can use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and debris. Make sure to avoid rough scrubbers and cleaning solvents.

If your helmet is still in good shape, you can keep it in your garage. Be sure to store it in an airtight box to avoid humidity. You can also hang it in a protective pouch to minimize dings and scratches. When storing your helmet, be sure to remove any stickers or decals you've applied.

Your snowboard helmet may be showing signs of its expiration date. The Eps foam inside the helmet may have begun to disintegrate, and you may feel uncomfortable while wearing it. The straps may also have become too loose or too tight. Additionally, your helmet's ventilation may be blocked, causing sweat to accumulate in the padding. In addition, you should check the outer shell of your helmet for cracks and chips.

How to Store a Snowboard Helmet

It is important to store a snowboard helmet that has expired in a safe location where it will not be subjected to impact or crushed. Usually, helmets should be replaced every three years or so. This is because parts of the helmet begin to wear out and protective characteristics change over time. More often-used helmets should be replaced sooner.

Before you store a snowboard helmet, make sure to remove it from the helmet bag and carefully examine the inside lining. If the helmet is dirty, hand wash it in warm water with mild soap. Make sure not to soak the helmet as this will destroy the bonds between the materials and render it ineffective for use. You should also allow the helmet to air dry before storing it. Once the helmet has fully dried, keep it in a cool, dry place away from other sports equipment. It should also be free of pressure dents.

Keep a check on your helmet every day, especially if you're using it in harsh weather conditions. Harsh weather can shorten the lifespan of a helmet, so you'll want to take extra care with it. If you notice a crack or scratch, replace it. You can also clean it with a mild cleanser or multi-purpose spray cleaner. However, don't use harsh solvents or scrubbers, as these can damage the helmet.

How to Check if Your Snowboard Helmet Has Epp or Polystyrene Foam

The foam in a snowboard helmet is made of five layers. The first layer is energy-absorbing foam, or Eps, which is commonly referred to as Styrofoam. To maintain its protective qualities, the Eps foam must be clean and dirt-free. Otherwise, the foam may not expand properly and lead to damage during impact.

If you notice some compression in the Eps or a discoloration on the foam padding, you should replace it. In addition, make sure that the straps stretch easily, instead of stretching out forcefully. This can signify that the helmet is starting to wear out or is suffering from photo-oxidative degradation.

Epp foam is a lighter, multi-impact type of foam, which has better crush strength for certain impact levels. Epp is also able to be tuned, and its cell density can be varied to provide optimal crush properties. The foam also contains additives that increase cell adhesion and decrease splitting during hard impacts.